Summary: The Academic Program at Besant Hill School emphasizes the school motto, Aún Aprendo, I am still learning. Instilling a lifelong love of learning is the goal of our rigorous college preparatory curriculum. Within a framework of Universal Design, teachers employ multiple best practices in the classroom including, Socratic Method, Mastery Teaching and Cooperative Learning. We value and encourage creativity and the creative mindset in all classes, teaching how to think, not what to think. Academic classes, art classes and physical education classes are all valued equally in the pursuit of educating the whole person.

Department Director

Student/Teacher Ratio: 4:1

Average Class Size: 10

Summer Programs: Not Offered

Full Time Teachers: 25

Number of AP Courses Offered: 12

Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 50%

Number of IB Courses Offered: 0

Learning Support

• Evening Study Assistance
• Learning Center
• Learning Differences Support
• Peer Tutoring
• Study Skills Assistance
• Subject Tutoring
• Technology Center
• Writing Center
• ADD/ADHD Support

English

• Creative Writing
• Honors
• Literature
• Playwriting
• Poetry

History

• Honors
• United States History
• World History

Foreign Languages

• French
• Spanish

Religion / Philosophy

• Philosophy
• Religious Studies
• World Religions

Humanities / Social Sciences

• Economics
• Sociology

Sciences

• Earth Science
• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Physical Science
• Physics
• Physiology

Math

• Algebra
• Calculus
• Geometry
• Honors Math
• Statistics

Computer Studies

• Web Design
• Graphic Design
• Digital Media

Music

• Band
• Choral Music
• Composition
• Electronic Music
• History of Jazz
• Individual Instructions
• Music Appreciation
• Music History
• Music Theory
• Orchestra
• Recording
• Soflege/Ear Training
• Songwriting
• Voice

Performing / Visual Arts

• Acting
• Animation
• Art History
• Ceramics
• Dance
• Debate
• Design
• Drama
• Drawing
• Fashion Design
• Fiber Arts
• Graphic Design
• Journalism
• Lighting Design
• Painting
• Photography
• Portfolio
• Pottery
• Printmaking
• Production
• Screen-Printing
• Screenwriting
• Sculpture
• Studio Art
• Textiles
• Theater Arts
• Theater Design
• Theater History

Special Programs

• Community Service
• Internships
• Leadership
• Outdoor Education
• Physical Education
• Public Speaking
• Student Council
• Digital Design

Distinctive or New Programs

Focus On Creativity Experential Education Divergent Thinking.

Dorm Life

Number of Dorms: 4

Average Students Per Dorm: 30

Number of Girls Dorms: 2

Number of Boys Dorms: 2

Dorm Amenities

• Game Room
• Laundry Facilities
• Lounge
• Wireless Internet
• Refrigerator

Other Dorm Amenities

Pool table; Ping Pong; TV; Student Store

Student Life

In addition to being an exceptional college-preparatory school, Besant Hill School is a wonderful place to live and learn. Student life at Besant Hill is full of opportunities to enjoy close friendships and discover leadership potential. Through a co-curricular agenda that encourages participation in student government, athletics, visual and fine arts, music and drama, our students are taught self-reliance, social skills, and responsibility in a supportive and caring environment. The focus of the Besant Hill School residential boarding program is to encourage an atmosphere that supports the academic, creative and personal growth of each student. All of our programs are designed to help students develop their skills in interpersonal communication and conflict management while always supporting their personal integrity. In essence, our students are preparing for their futures as citizens of the global community.

Facilities

• Baseball Field
• Basketball Court
• Fitness Center
• Pool
• Technology Center
• Volleyball Court

Other Facilities

Clubs & Organizations

• Amnesty International
• Community Service
• Dorm Proctors
• Habitat for Humanity
• Honor Council
• International Club
• Literary Magazine
• Photography Club
• Student Government
• Student Publications
• Yearbook
• Yoga Club

Arts Department Director:

Athletics Department Director:

Notable Achievements: 2009/2010 CIF Championship- Basketball

Arts

• Acting
• Animation
• Art History
• Ceramics
• Dance
• Debate
• Design
• Drama
• Drawing
• Fashion Design
• Fiber Arts
• Graphic Design
• Journalism
• Lighting Design
• Painting
• Photography
• Portfolio
• Pottery
• Printmaking
• Production
• Screen-Printing
• Screenwriting
• Sculpture
• Studio Art
• Textiles
• Theater Arts
• Theater Design
• Theater History

Interscholastic Sports

• Basketball
• Cross Country Running
• Golf
• Soccer
• Swimming
• Volleyball

Recreational Sports

• Camping
• Dance
• Hiking
• Outdoor Education
• Rock Climbing
• Surfing
• Swimming
• Table Tennis
• Tennis
• Weight Lifting

Summary: Summary: At Besant Hill School, the College Counseling Office works closely with all students and their families from the moment they arrive on campus. As a college preparatory school, BHS provides students with comprehensive guidance about the journey toward higher education, including appropriate course selection, co- and extracurricular enrichment, community service, leadership, standardized testing and preparation, the college search, application drafting, finalization and submission, cultivating effective support documentation, need- and merit-based financial aid advisement, and counsel to determine the best overall undergraduate fit. Students are apprised of their many college options and are supported as they develop the tools necessary to thoughtfully research and successfully apply and transition to the college of their choosing. As more and more colleges move toward test optional policies and a holistic admissions review, we encourage well-roundedness and personal development in our students, in addition to scholastic achievement and excellence. BHS does not view college admission as "a prize to be won". It is the result of thoughtful self-reflection, research, preparation and execution. Hence, the college counseling process at Besant Hill is highly individualized, the goal being to identify and secure the best possible match between each unique student and college or university optimally suited to meet their needs, strengths and objectives. Our students matriculate to a wide range of institutions, from national liberal arts colleges to public land-grant universities to professional art schools and music conservatories. 100% of Besant Hill graduates gain admission to four-year institutions, and occasionally students opt to defer entry for a year to pursue interim semester or year-long enrichment opportunities.

College Information

Precentage of graduates who attend college: 100%

Middle Percentile of SAT Scores	Reading	Math	Writing
25th percentile
75th percentile